March 2021 Articles

• Here’s a good tip for when you are adding iron-on graphics over a covered wing or fuselage. First clean the surface really well to eliminate particles that will show up under the new covering. Then wipe with a tack cloth and go over the entire surface with a dust-collector wand (like a “Swiffer”). This will […]

  

  Static Cling

  Here’s a good tip for when you are adding iron-on graphics over a covered wing or fuselage. First clean the surface really well to eliminate particles that will show up under the new covering. Then wipe with a tack cloth and go over the entire surface with a dust-collector wand (like a “Swiffer”). This will […]
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• Motion RC is now importing the highly detailed line of scale helicopters from Roban in Germany. Fortunately for scale helicopter enthusiasts, this includes the 700 size super scale Apache. The 700 size is large enough to be impressive without either being obnoxious to transport or cost prohibitive.     The Apache is a wonderful scale […]

  

  Roban/Motion RC AH-64 Apache – This bad-ass helicopter commands attention!

  Motion RC is now importing the highly detailed line of scale helicopters from Roban in Germany. Fortunately for scale helicopter enthusiasts, this includes the 700 size super scale Apache. The 700 size is large enough to be impressive without either being obnoxious to transport or cost prohibitive.     The Apache is a wonderful scale […]
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• The northern goshawk is a fast, powerful raptor that flies effortlessly through forests. This bird was the design inspiration for the next-generation drone developed by scientists of the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems of École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), a university in France. Led by Dario Floreano, they carefully studied the shape of the bird’s […]

  

  On the Wing – This bird-like drone is incredibly agile and efficient

  The northern goshawk is a fast, powerful raptor that flies effortlessly through forests. This bird was the design inspiration for the next-generation drone developed by scientists of the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems of École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), a university in France. Led by Dario Floreano, they carefully studied the shape of the bird’s […]
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• I’m guessing there has been more than one time when either you or a compatriot has wondered what method is used to ensure the correct position of panel lines, hatches, markings, or color demarcations on a scale model. Too many times a large decal of the U.S.A. star insignia is placed on the top wing […]

  

  Factor this!

  I’m guessing there has been more than one time when either you or a compatriot has wondered what method is used to ensure the correct position of panel lines, hatches, markings, or color demarcations on a scale model. Too many times a large decal of the U.S.A. star insignia is placed on the top wing […]
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• This warbird event started in memory of the man that started the World Miniature Warbird Association (WMWA), Dino DiGiorgio Sr. In 1997, Dino Sr. formed the WMWA to preserve our military aviation history through RC model aircraft. He wanted all warbirds, regardless of size, power type, and construction, to fly together, allowing pilots to help […]

  

  Dino DiGiorgio Sr. Memorial Warbird Rally – All power systems all sizes all warbirds welcome!

  This warbird event started in memory of the man that started the World Miniature Warbird Association (WMWA), Dino DiGiorgio Sr. In 1997, Dino Sr. formed the WMWA to preserve our military aviation history through RC model aircraft. He wanted all warbirds, regardless of size, power type, and construction, to fly together, allowing pilots to help […]
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• A flybar on the main rotor head of a helicopter imparts stability in the rotor head system and helps the main rotor blades change pitch (a sort of power steering mechanism, if you will). Removing the flybar makes it more aerobatic because there is less inertia in the rotor system, which is awesome for 3D […]

  

  Goodbye flybar! A gyro helps a scale makeover

  A flybar on the main rotor head of a helicopter imparts stability in the rotor head system and helps the main rotor blades change pitch (a sort of power steering mechanism, if you will). Removing the flybar makes it more aerobatic because there is less inertia in the rotor system, which is awesome for 3D […]
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• Editor’s note: In the December 2020 issue, longtime MAN contributor and scale expert Martin Irvine showed how he painted scale markings using vinyl painting masks. But he hasn’t stopped working on his 1/3-scale Thomas Morse S4B “Tommy.” His next step was filling out the engine cowling with a scale rotary engine to cover up his […]

  

  Build a Detailed Gnome Rotary – Producing a competition-grade dummy engine

  Editor’s note: In the December 2020 issue, longtime MAN contributor and scale expert Martin Irvine showed how he painted scale markings using vinyl painting masks. But he hasn’t stopped working on his 1/3-scale Thomas Morse S4B “Tommy.” His next step was filling out the engine cowling with a scale rotary engine to cover up his […]
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• Over the years, I have designed and built a number of RC ducted-fan models. Due to my close association with the late Bob Kress, these models ranged in power size from .049 to .90 cubic inches. With current electric power technology being so efficient and practical, I decided to make a smaller electric-powered version of […]

  

  The Turbinator-E – Compact electric-powered ducted-fan jet that’s easy to build and fly

  Over the years, I have designed and built a number of RC ducted-fan models. Due to my close association with the late Bob Kress, these models ranged in power size from .049 to .90 cubic inches. With current electric power technology being so efficient and practical, I decided to make a smaller electric-powered version of […]
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• The main parts of our hobby are building a model and flying it. In between, there’s a critical intermediate step, called “balancing.” There are two basic methods: one I know of, the other I use. In that order, they are: Method “Fly, Cut, and Try” Take the completed airplane out to the field for its […]

  

  Two Approaches to Balancing

  The main parts of our hobby are building a model and flying it. In between, there’s a critical intermediate step, called “balancing.” There are two basic methods: one I know of, the other I use. In that order, they are: Method “Fly, Cut, and Try” Take the completed airplane out to the field for its […]
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• The applicator tip of CA glue bottles will often clog due to moisture or dust. I have found that electrical wire connectors (often called “wire nuts”) can stand in for a bottle cap. They are available is various sizes and have a fine internal thread. The small ones fit nicely and prevent having to clean […]

  

  Capped for Freshness

  The applicator tip of CA glue bottles will often clog due to moisture or dust. I have found that electrical wire connectors (often called “wire nuts”) can stand in for a bottle cap. They are available is various sizes and have a fine internal thread. The small ones fit nicely and prevent having to clean […]
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• You don’t see an RC airplane this big every day! Our jaws dropped when we first saw photos of Curtis Switzer’s 1/2-scale Sopwith Scout, or “Pup,” as its full-size counterpart was affectionately known. Weighing in at 125 pounds, this biplane has a 13-foot, 3-inch wingspan and is powered by a 3W 240cc TOC version twin-spark […]

  

  A REALLY Big Bipe – 1/2-scale Sopwith Scout

  You don’t see an RC airplane this big every day! Our jaws dropped when we first saw photos of Curtis Switzer’s 1/2-scale Sopwith Scout, or “Pup,” as its full-size counterpart was affectionately known. Weighing in at 125 pounds, this biplane has a 13-foot, 3-inch wingspan and is powered by a 3W 240cc TOC version twin-spark […]
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• Having grown up in the hobby, there are certain models that I recall seeing as a kid that have inspired a fascination for that aircraft well into adulthood. One such aircraft is the A-1 Skyraider. Having seen two immaculate representations with folding wings at the U.S. Scale Masters in the late ’80s/early ’90s, it started […]

  

  Legend Hobby A-1 Skyraider 86″

  Having grown up in the hobby, there are certain models that I recall seeing as a kid that have inspired a fascination for that aircraft well into adulthood. One such aircraft is the A-1 Skyraider. Having seen two immaculate representations with folding wings at the U.S. Scale Masters in the late ’80s/early ’90s, it started […]
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• When cleaning up after building a model airplane, collect all the extra hardware and instead of simply tossing them out or dumping in the “stuff” drawer, collect the screws and other items and store in a zipper lock bag. You can slip a tag in the bag for later identification or simply use a marking […]

  

  Tag and Bag

  When cleaning up after building a model airplane, collect all the extra hardware and instead of simply tossing them out or dumping in the “stuff” drawer, collect the screws and other items and store in a zipper lock bag. You can slip a tag in the bag for later identification or simply use a marking […]
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• Michael Fetyko of Laguna Beach, California, won first place in the Pro Am Sport Prop class at the recent Top Gun scale Invitational with his amazing 1/4-scale Douglas SBD Dauntless. Michael also earned the Best WW II award. Michael teamed up with his lead engineer for the project, Henry Nguyen and built the dive bomber […]

  

  Douglas SBD Dauntless – Michael Fetyko’s award winning WW II dive bomber

  Michael Fetyko of Laguna Beach, California, won first place in the Pro Am Sport Prop class at the recent Top Gun scale Invitational with his amazing 1/4-scale Douglas SBD Dauntless. Michael also earned the Best WW II award. Michael teamed up with his lead engineer for the project, Henry Nguyen and built the dive bomber […]
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• Theofanis modified his 68-inch-span GoldWing aerobat for an O.S. Max FS 120 glow engine turning a Master Airscrew 16×6 prop. He notes, “I intended to fly it as an aerobatic airplane and not as 3D, so I reinforced some spots of the fuselage and installed a dummy cockpit with LED lights.” Theofanis Katapodis, Crete, Greece

  

  S-Bach 300

  Theofanis modified his 68-inch-span GoldWing aerobat for an O.S. Max FS 120 glow engine turning a Master Airscrew 16×6 prop. He notes, “I intended to fly it as an aerobatic airplane and not as 3D, so I reinforced some spots of the fuselage and installed a dummy cockpit with LED lights.” Theofanis Katapodis, Crete, Greece
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• Built from the Philip Avonds kit, this jet has a fiberglass fuselage and built-up wing and tail. Tom writes that the model is completely scale and has internal linkages, counter-balanced flight controls, and speed brakes. He created the beautiful scheme with Klass Kote paint and Callie Graphics decals. The 30-pound jet is powered by a […]

  

  Fouga Magister

  Built from the Philip Avonds kit, this jet has a fiberglass fuselage and built-up wing and tail. Tom writes that the model is completely scale and has internal linkages, counter-balanced flight controls, and speed brakes. He created the beautiful scheme with Klass Kote paint and Callie Graphics decals. The 30-pound jet is powered by a […]
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• This 78-inch-span warbird is powered by a DLE 55 gas engine spinning a 22×10 Xoar propeller. Eduardo built it from Dave Platt plans and added electric retracts and a custom cockpit. It’s painted with polyurethane and sports custom graphics Eduardo made out of vinyl auto decal material in a plotter. Eduardo Roesch, Antigua, Guatemala

  

  Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero

  This 78-inch-span warbird is powered by a DLE 55 gas engine spinning a 22×10 Xoar propeller. Eduardo built it from Dave Platt plans and added electric retracts and a custom cockpit. It’s painted with polyurethane and sports custom graphics Eduardo made out of vinyl auto decal material in a plotter. Eduardo Roesch, Antigua, Guatemala
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• There is no doubt that many aerobatic enthusiasts are interested in performing extreme moves. It is important however, to build your aerobatic sequences on a solid foundation. Years ago, when I first became interested in aerobatics, 3D flying did not exist. Instead, we concentrated on precision aerobatics and honed our skills while competing at various […]

  

  Negative Snap from An Inverted Climb

  There is no doubt that many aerobatic enthusiasts are interested in performing extreme moves. It is important however, to build your aerobatic sequences on a solid foundation. Years ago, when I first became interested in aerobatics, 3D flying did not exist. Instead, we concentrated on precision aerobatics and honed our skills while competing at various […]
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